Greenville, NC is an unlikely hotspot for an extreme sport like BMX freestyle. Tucked away in eastern North Carolina, it's surrounded by farmland and doesn’t even crack a list of the top ten biggest cities in the state. But at one point, it was home to more professional freestyle bike riders than anywhere else on the planet. Led by Dave Mirra, one of the greatest BMX athletes of all-time, this group of pros fostered a community that would change the world of action sports forever.

Warning: This episode contains a descriptions of suicide. Please listen with care, and if you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8 on your phone.

Featuring:

Steve Nowak, former pro BMX rider
Mike Laird, former pro BMX rider and owner of ECCMetal and lairdframe
Austin Hardee, former pro BMX rider and owner of AUS10designs
Dylan Potter, creator of Jaycee Jams

Links:

You can find a transcript of the episode here.

The Broadside is made possible by contributions from listeners like you. Support WUNC-North Carolina Public Radio and this podcast by making a donation.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Southern town that sparked a BMX revival